Jessica Pegula from the U.S. holds up the trophy after winning the women's singles final at the National Bank Open in Toronto on Monday. (Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press)
Jessica Pegula successfully defended her Canadian tennis title by defeating Amanda Anisimova in a thrilling final at the National Bank Open. Pegula, ranked No. 6 in the world, secured a 6-3, 2-6, 6-1 victory in a match that saw her lose the second set but then bounce back with a commanding performance in the third. This win marks Pegula’s second consecutive Canadian Open title, making her the first woman to achieve this feat since Martina Hingis in 2000.
The match was an all-American affair, with Pegula, a native of Buffalo, New York, facing Anisimova, a former Grand Slam semifinalist. Anisimova, currently ranked 132nd, has been on an impressive comeback journey after stepping away from the sport last year for mental health reasons. She entered the tournament in Toronto with notable wins, including a victory over the No. 3 seed Aryna Sabalenka.
Despite Anisimova’s strong performance in the second set, Pegula quickly regained her composure in the final set, dominating her opponent. The victory was particularly special for Pegula, who had the support of friends and family in the stands, making the triumph in Toronto even more meaningful.
Pegula's success in Canada continues her remarkable run at the event, where she now boasts a 17-2 record. Her ability to perform well on Canadian soil has become a hallmark of her career, and she expressed her delight in being able to deliver yet another victory close to home.
Anisimova, who will see her ranking rise to No. 49 after this tournament, fought hard but ultimately could not overcome Pegula's relentless play. Reflecting on the match, Anisimova acknowledged Pegula's superior tennis, especially in the final set, which proved too difficult for her to counter.
In the doubles final, the top-seeded team of Ottawa’s Gabriela Dabrowski and New Zealand’s Erin Routliffe fell to the American duo of Caroline Dolehide and Desirae Krawczyk. The match was closely contested, with Dolehide and Krawczyk securing a 7-6 (2), 3-6, 10-7 victory to claim the doubles title.
The National Bank Open finals, usually held on Sunday, were rescheduled to Monday due to Olympic commitments, adding an extra layer of excitement to the event. Pegula, who also represented the U.S. at the Tokyo Olympics, remains undefeated against Anisimova this season, having beaten her earlier on clay.
Pegula, daughter of NFL’s Buffalo Bills and NHL’s Buffalo Sabres owners Terry and Kim Pegula, will undoubtedly be aiming to defend her title next year, making a third consecutive victory a real possibility.
Meanwhile, in the men’s singles final, Australia’s Alexei Popyrin emerged victorious, defeating Russia’s Andrey Rublev 6-2, 6-4. Popyrin, who turned professional in 2017, delivered an impressive performance, securing his first ATP 1000 title. The 25-year-old Australian served 10 aces and committed only three double faults, showcasing his prowess on the court.
